Magazine Nov/Dec 2016

AQUATICS

P T-shirt for adults; you need this as we encourage the children to grab on to your shirts to pull themselves out of the water. It also creates more friction so they don’t slip.

Optional: • Swimming bottoms to wear over swim nappy • Baby wetsuit; the warmer the little one is, the happier they will be • Baby swim/sun hat with under chin strap FAQ 1. My baby doesn’t like water, what can I do?

• Practice, practice, and more practice! The best place to start practicing water confidence is at home. Try pouring water over your child’s head in the bath at home. Practice ‘floating’ in the bath to get them accustomed to getting their ears in the water. Practice in the bathtub at home to reinforce the skills learned during lessons. • Make sure they’re warm! Even in our sunny Singapore weather, the water can get chilly for children. You can get them a wetsuit or put a fitted long sleeve shirt on them over their swimsuit. • Slow down and don’t rush your child. Find a pace that suits your child, it may be slower than other children but every child learns at their own pace. Each child is different and needs be comfortable. • Increase the fun factor! Lots of kisses, hugs, and high fives for the little one. Praises and excitement will encourage them. • Remember that your child will feed off your emotions; if you feel yourself starting to get frustrated, try to relax and stay positive. Your child will take their cues from you. • Stick with it! It’s just a phase and they will come through it with a renewed confidence. If you’re having trouble, please talk to the coach and they can give you other ways to encourage your little one. They can also give you different activities to do that may be more suited to your child. 2. I can’t swim, should I still do classes with my child? Definitely! It may even be more important for you to do classes with your child if you don’t have the confidence to take them to the pool by yourself. Our pool is shallow enough for you to be able to stand and not have to worry about swimming. We also have lifeguards on duty so they can help if you have any problems. Don’t forget that adults can also sign up for swimming classes!

Why are swimming lessons important? • Children will have no chance to save themselves in a drowning situation if they do not have the basic skills • A great opportunity for parents to bond with their little ones • Improve muscle strength, coordination and balance • Help develop children's heart, lungs and brain • Improve sleeping patterns • Increase appetite • Help build confidence Drowning Prevention Lessons for parents and babies

What will my child learn? • Go under water comfortably • Float • Roll from front float to back float • Kick under water • Use their arms effectively • Move towards the wall if they fall into the water

How? • Children from 6 - 36 months with one adult in the water with each child • Up to 12 participants per class • 20 - 30 minutes (dependent on weather)

• Aquatots: 6 - 12 months • Supertots: 12 - 24 months • Dippers: 24 - 36 months

What do I need to bring? P Swim nappy/diaper P Rash shirt; protect from the sun P Sunscreen

3. At what age should I start lessons for my child? As soon as your child can hold their head up by themselves,

57 THE AMERICAN CLUB NOV / DEC 2016